31 January 2012, No. 03/2012

“One Month in India” – Presenting German Research Opportunities in India

Press release by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, the German Academic Exchange Service, the German Research Foundation and Fraunhofer

In February and March 2012, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the German Research Foundation (DFG) and Fraunhofer join forces and organise events to present German innovation and research in India. The purpose of their joint effort “One Month in India” is to strengthen and expand R&D collaboration between Germany and India and to foster the mobility among scientists from both countries.

Along the lines of the Year of Germany in India and its theme “Germany and India 2011–2012: Infinite Opportunities”, all scheduled “One Month in India” activities focus on long-term perspectives for Indo-German research relations. While the German Academic Exchange Service will tour across India to introduce opportunities for conducting research and earning a degree in Germany to Indian scholars, the German Research Foundation will showcase best practice cases of top life science research collaboration between the two countries. Furthermore, the Humboldt Foundation will organise an exclusive networking conference for India-based research alumni of German research performing and research funding organisations, and Fraunhofer will present the winners of a nationwide business case competition in the field of “sustainable transportation” for Indian mega-cities.

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is organising the German Study & Research Expo India 2012 which tours across India from 18 to 26 February 2012. A delegation of 18 German universities, research and funding institutions will present their Master and PhD opportunities in New Delhi, Hyderabad and Chennai, offering Indian graduates and PhD candidates an excellent platform for a one-to-one exchange with German representatives. One key feature is a specially designed online tool with exhibitor profiles, PhD offers and the possibility to upload CVs and research proposals, giving Indian candidates the opportunity to schedule appointments with German representatives and prepare for face-to-face meetings during the Expo. The German Study & Research Expo India 2012, which is a joint project by the campaigns “Study in Germany” and “Research in Germany”, is a great opportunity for students or young researchers to find out everything they want to know about preparing for a study or research stay in Germany!

The German Research Foundation (DFG) will conduct “Indo-German Research Dialogues in the Life Sciences” in New Delhi, Hyderabad and Pune. These events will run parallel to the Expo from 20 to 24 February 2012. Each “Research Dialogue” will present high quality and cutting-edge research projects in the field of life sciences. Outstanding scientists from India and Germany are offering a unique behind-the-scenes look on global challenges and recent trends in their disciplines. Attendees of the “Indo-German Research Dialogues” will listen to successful researchers from both countries discussing the benefit of their collaborative research, and important aspects to consider when establishing a prosperous joint research project. In terms of career development for ambitious scientists at all scientific career stages, the audience will get first-hand information on the opportunities offered within these bilateral projects. Information on research cooperation between India and Germany is provided by the DFG Office India:www.dfg.de/india.

On the evening of 5 March 2012, Fraunhofer will solemnly present the winners of the German High Tech Champions Award in “Sustainable Transportation” to invited Indian industry executives in Gurgaon, New Delhi Capital Region. The event will take place within the framework of the Fraunhofer Innovation & Technology Platform “City Spaces”. In accordance with this theme, the nationwide German High Tech Champions competition had called for business cases specifically adapted to needs and conditions in Indian mega-cities. The winning business cases feature sustainable concepts for public and private transport in India. Subsequent to the award ceremony, guests will have the exclusive chance to discuss business opportunities with the champions and to get to know their research institutions.

From 29 to 30 March 2012, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation organises an exclusive networking conference in Gurgaon, New Delhi Capital Region for approximately 60 research alumni of major German research (funding) organisations. All selected academics from India previously spent time researching at universities or research institutions in Germany, either in the context of a fellowship or an employment contract, and are now back in India where they have established themselves as researchers at reputable universities and institutes. The event will be the launch of a cross-organisational Network of Research Alumni in India under the guiding theme of “New Frontiers: Shifting Trends in the Global Research Landscape and their Impact on Researchers' Career Patterns”. A satellite event will take place on 31 March 2012, introducing the social network “Alumni-Portal Deutschland” to the research alumni.

The 'International Research Marketing' project is being jointly conducted by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, the German Academic Exchange Service, the German Research Foundation and the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. It is part of the ‘Research in Germany’ initiative.

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation

Every year, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation enables more than 2,000 researchers from all over the world to spend time researching in Germany. The Foundation maintains a network of well over 25,000 Humboldtians from all disciplines in more than 130 countries worldwide – including 48 Nobel Prize winners.